Headache Relief – Without Medication

From time to time we all get headaches. Instead of rushing to the medicine cabinet or the drugstore for an aspirin or ibuprofen, why not try these traditional alternative remedies?

Source

Acupressure

Take the advice of the Chinese and apply an acupressure massage to the Hoku Point. This is the webbing placed where the thumb and index fingers of your hand meet. Squeeze this point with your other thumb and index fingers for a minute, and repeat 3-5 times. Now switch and repeat the same procedure on the other hand (see these articles).

Bra

For women, try taking off your bra (read this article for elaboration).

Dehydration

Some headaches are caused by dehydration: drink some water.

Source

Ginger

Grate or crush couple centimetres of fresh ginger root, and add it to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 4 minutes and drink it. This tea takes about the same time to work as an aspirin. (See Journal of Ethnopharmacology)

Humour

Humour is an old Jewish remedy: when you get that splitting headache you may not feel much like laughing, but laughter reduces the stress hormone levels, and increases endorphins. So, go to a humour web site, watch a funny video, or listen to an audio sketch: whichever makes you laugh.

Source

Lime

Cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead.

Magnets

Magnets seem like a voodoo cure, but watch this video and decide for yourself.

Massage

Massageis well known as a pain relief in general and for headaches in particular.

Source

Mustard

Fill a bowl (large enough to accommodate your feet) with hot water, and add a spoon of dry mustard powder. Soak your feet in the mix for 20 minutes. (See these articles).

Source

Peppermint

Rub some peppermint oil under your nose or on your forehead just below the hairline. The cooling sensation would loose your head and neck muscles and may take the headache away. (See these articles)

Sex

Usually when you have a headache, the last thing on your mind is sex. However, orgasm releases pain reducing hormones and endorphins, and the activity induces deep breathing and enhanced blood circulation. Voilà! Who remembers you had a headache?

Walking

Take a walk. It may be that just removing yourself from the situation you're in, or the physical activity itself, that is that relief cause, but some walking may disappear your headache. Try a few minutes walk outside, or going up some stairs, or even just walk inside your room. Whatever is needed to switch your mind off your current situation, and allowing you some physical exercise.

Source

Yoga

The yoga advice comes from India and it recommends a special pose to rid yourself of headaches: lie on your back on a mattress on the floor and put your your calves on a chair in front of you. Breath slowly and deeply and relax your body, starting from relaxation of your feet and going all the way up to your shoulders, neck and face.

1 comment

I never get headaches; the last time my blood-oxygen content was checked, it was 98%. Lack of oxygen to the brain cells causes headaches. My secret? Lots of fresh greens in the diet and moderate exercise.